Blu del Barrio as Adira and Ian Alexander as Gray of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Despite the fact that a tragic event involving Gray and Adira is revealed during that flashback, Alexander said he will be returning in future episodes, apparently in a form that harks back to how Dr. Hugh Culber first returned to the show in season two, and maybe also related to the way in which Tillys long lost friend May Ahearn appeared that same season. Non-binary identities can fall under the transgender umbrella since many non-binary people identify with a gender that is different from their assigned sex. They said they chose the name "Blu" as blue has always been their favorite color and first came out to some of their friends in London, who they described as very supportive. Alexander said thats just like in real life. Soft Sci-Fi, Explained. During the final year at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, the actor's audition for the role took place, as reported by Deadline. "They've had conversations with their parents about their gender identity because of our characters. Photo by Michael Gibson/CBS [4][5][6], Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, "Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to @bludelb! The new characters are played by actors whose gender identities coincide with those of their characters. Del started acted in short films and theater at the age of seven. [13], Del Barrio studied ballet and theater in California before moving to the UK to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), graduating in 2019. Their characters, like the actors who play them, are finally living their truth for all to witness. "I was stunned to find that this massive group of strangers wholeheartedly accepted and validated me," they told GLAAD. "There's not many of us yet in the industry, but I'm so grateful to have a few role models like them.". That's something I've come to the realization of very, very recently, like within the past few months. I am also similar to Adira in that I'm very introverted, said the recent graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. They are the first out non-binary actor in Star Trek, and Adira is Star Trek's first non-binary character. Alexander confessed hes definitely more of a newbie, when it comes to Star Trek fandom. Telfono alterno / Home Phone. This is a BETA experience. Create your own Star Trek: Lower Decks avatar! I really can't wait to see what the future holds for trans people finally being able to see ourselves on screen and to be able to tell our stories. Your password must include at least 8 characters with a combination of upper/lower case, number and symbol. What makes it all the more remarkable is that this is not only Del Barrio's first TV role cast while Del Barrio, now 23, was finishing their final year in drama school but when they were . What Adira doesnt let on, at least not right away, is that they have secrets, involving their identity and their memory. ", "Yeah, it's a veryit's a weird thing, especially with Adira," del Barrio says. Blu del Barrio and Ian Alexander will board the U.S.S. There isn't any exploration about what this might mean in terms of individual gender identity or on a structural basis for Trill society, but the implications are there for the taking. Just a reminder that if you're trans or nonbinary and live in the US, you have one week left to take the United States Trans Survey. I like having time to myself to sort of recharge. Del Barrio was in their final year of studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art when they auditioned for the role of . Thus far, characters have exclusively referred to Adira using feminine pronouns, something the character has made no attempt to correct. I want to see -- at every single level of production -- trans people, trans people of color, trans women of color, especially because right now, like we are a minority in Hollywood, but I don't want it to stay that way forever. As an avid photographer, del Barrio said theyve asked CBS Studios for permission to share the pictures theyre taking behind the scenes. Jemison was inspired by seeing actress Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, being treated as an equal member of the Starship Enterprise crew. Raumschiff - Enterprise- Besatzung (v.l. Explore the latest videos from hashtags: #bludelbarrio, #delbarrio, #barrio, #blurio, #losdelbarrio, # . Now, undoubtedly, we can expect to find out more about the character and their gender identity as the season progresses. The CBS All Access show announced on Wednesday (September 2) that the franchise's first non-binary and transgender actors, Blu del Barrio and Ian Alexander, will join for Season 3 of Star Trek:. Blu del Barrio Personal Information Birth Date September 15, 1997 Birth Place Topanga, California, USA Age 25 years old Gender Non-binary Occupation Actor Production Information Voice of Teenage Raine Whispers Blu del Barrio (born September 15, 1997) is an American actor, best known for their role as Adira Tal in Star Trek: Discovery . (Photo by Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images), How High EQ Helps Build An Inclusive Workplace Culture, Say And Mean It: Dont Just Ask For Authenticity In The Workplace, Make Space For It To Show Up, 3 Tips For DEI Professionals Who Are Burnt Out & Wishing For A Clone, Neurodiverse Sports Fans Still Face Exclusion From Many Stadia, Study Shows, 4 Tips For Engaging With Disabled People On Social Media, Pro Surfer And Disability Advocate Liv Stone Talks Disability Inclusion, Social Media Study In Adobe Q&A, Black Futures Month: Unmasking As A Black Neurodivergent Employee, Actions Educational Leaders Must Take When Kids Do Racist Things At School. "Hopefully, in the future, every film and television set will be like this. Stay tuned!". "I do have a really big tendency to just talk very transparently and honestly in response to that," they say. The cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. "[4], They are bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English to a native standard, and are a skilled paddleboarder. "It really has a strong material impact, which is that these trans youth can sit down with their families and watch this show and bond together watching something [where] they see themselves reflected and represented," he says. Phil Sharp English. Her birth sign is Virgo. Around 1996, Blu was born to their parents. There's also their costar from seasons 1 and 2, Mary Chieffo, who came out as queer in September 2021. Blu Del Barrio and Ian Alexander have been cast as non-binary and transgender characters, respectively, on Star Trek: Discovery season 3. I was like, Yes! There will be signs and there will be, in the future, more explicit conversation. "The producers, directors, writers, cast, and crew were equally committed to writing these wonderful characters in Adira and Gray, and creating a safe and healthy work environment for me and Ian," they said in the 2020 interview. Del Barrio has been acting in theater since the age of seven, and they're incredibly excited to make their television acting debut in season three of Star Trek: Discovery (2017) Required. Alexander mentioned their character will evolve, too, and return next season, which started shooting in Canada this month. Blu del Barrio is the child of Argentinian parents who have studied in the UK and have walked up to the acting stage. The casting of out gay actors Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz paved the way for del Barrio and Alexander. They will find a new home on the U.S.S. In the real world the division between disability and gender is in some ways being eroded many neurodiverse people identify as other gendered, specifically linking their gender to their neurodiversity (known as neurogender). I love that I am really letting go of my last little bits of self-judgment., Im fully wearing and doing whatever I want, whatever makes me happy. Definitely. Ian Alexander played the trill Gray Tal (although originally auditioning for the role of Adira),[3] a species Vary described as "avatars for LGBTQ representation on Star Trek", as Adira's lover[3] and, thanks to Nick Adams providing examples, both Alexander and del Barrio realized the potency of those episodes featuring the trill for queer representation. The show's season 1, which was the first original live-action series in the Star Trek universe in almost 15 years when it launched in 2017, was well-received and followed it up with a season 2 that was hailed for its attempts to connect it more closely to . Key points: Transgender character Gray will be played by transgender actor Ian Alexander Non-binary Adira will be played by Blu del Barrio They will appear in the third season of CBS Television's series Star Trek: Discovery All of these storylines show that even in the Star Trek universe, there can still be an othering of marginalized bodies. Del Barrio is a newcomer who made their television debut in the role of Adira, a human who came out last season as nonbinary, shortly before del Barrio did. IAN in FARRADAS KNITS Top SAVAGE FENTY Intimates ARMS OF EVE Necklace RARE-ROMANCE Ring FIORUCCI Pant NO NAME Shoe. Throughout its history, Star Treks surface-level depictions of gender have ranged from progressive to antiquated, but have not often risen above the core idea of male and female. Newcomer Blu del Barrio will play Adira, a nonbinary character who bonds with Lt. A role that for Del Barrio, who was studying acting in London when she passed the casting and is the daughter of Argentines, was the first step to make known to the world their true identity, merging in some way with the character, reflecting each other. They were like, OK, so we are not saying yes to you for Adira, but don't worry. "I realized I might be nonbinary the first time I saw a nonbinary actor on television," they told GLAAD in a previous interview. Adira (Blu del Barrio) arrived in last week's episode, joining the crew after a clash with Earth's trigger-happy new . retrieved. Non-binary is a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminineidentities that are outside the gender binary. (Photo by Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images). Discovery has time traveled almost a thousand years to the 32nd century. Star Trek has led the way on diversity and inclusivity for 54 years, albeit it was blatantly sexist for most of its first 30 years. Terry Farrell confirmed that she believes Jadzia was pansexual at Star Trek Las Vegas last year: The only rule was are you interesting to me, and do I want to know more about you? Why wouldn't Trill lean more towards bi/pan/omni/polysexuality when the most sacred part of their society involves a genderless worm that creates a symbiotic relationship with various hosts? Blu del Barrio, the entertainer well known for the non-paired character Adira finished their graduation as of late from the London Institute of Music and Sensational Workmanship. . In the real world the so-called threat that non-conformity represents is not only fictional, but puts non-conforming people in danger. "And it wasn't until I got into high school that I started seeing trans people on YouTube posting about their transition. At the same time Blu del Barrio is making their television debut, the actor is in Toronto, preparing to star in a fourth season of a landmark science fiction franchise. They identify themselves as non-binary and use they/them pronouns. They are the first openly non-binary actor, playing the first non-binary role in Star Trek. The new characters Adira, played by Blu del Barrio, and Gray, played by Ian Alexander, will appear in the upcoming season. I mean, we've always existed and we've always existed everywhere. I'm a complex individual. Meanwhile Seven herself rejects her given name Annika, and decides on the genderless Seven of Nine that she was known as in The Borg Collective. Commander Paul Stamets (Anthony Rapp) and Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz), the first same-sex couple in "Trek" TV . As far as is known, all of them except for Wiseman and Coutts play queer characters. The American actor has not talked much about her personal life. This is vaguely shown in TNG's introduction to the Trill, The Host, through a handful of lines by Jadzia and Ezri on DS9 that they have been both men and women, and further referenced in Ezri's inability to tell where she ends and her eight past hosts begin; she is, essentially, nine people of different genders at once. Required. In fact, several characters on Star Trek already discussed in this article do the same thing for similar reasons. She was born around 1996 in Southern California to parents who are Argentinians. 24 years ago, on September 15th, 1997, actor Blu del Barrio was born. When season 4 resumes in February, del Barrio says, Adira is "terrified" at the prospect that Gray could die again: "And if he goes this time, he's gone." ", BLU in LUPE G Dress DR. MARTENS Shoe; IAN in DULCE BESTIA Jacket WRANGLER Denim FREE LANCE PARIS Shoe, BLU in SARAH REGENSBURGER Top JACKALOPE LAND Neckpiece, Their costar del Barrio says that's something they've discussed, and not just among themselves. They have not gone public with her relationship and have rather remained private about their marital life, it is not publicly known whether they are married or in a relationship. "That's kind of happening, slowly, more and more, like conversations about nametags, about where we can put pronouns on call sheets and stuff like that. 14k Followers, 1,401 Following, 91 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Blu (@bludelb) In fact, there are seven in the current cast of Star Trek: Discovery: In addition to Alexander, del Barrio, Cruz, and Rapp, there are Tig Notaro, Mary Wiseman, and Emily Coutts, all featured in this issue. In this world it's easier to see how more vague, less definable presentations of self are becoming more the norm, which fits in very well with the vagueness of these themes on the show itself. And I can't wait to see how it progresses, because, you know, if there's a couple of us, then there's gotta be more trans people 900 years in the future of the Star Trek universe. Choosing a name, whether it be consciously settling on the one you were assigned with at birth or not, is a recognizable journey for many gender non-conforming people. I really love acting, they said. Blu Barrio was born on September 15, 1997, in Topanga, California, United States. Watch popular content from the following creators: Bex T-K(@contextdenied), AuntieRuth (@auntieruthuk), Disco Does DnD(@discodoesdnd), Disco Does DnD(@discodoesdnd), To Proudly Go(@toproudlygo) . And just last year, Discovery made history yet again by adding the Star Trek franchise's first-ever gender-diverse trans characters to the series: nonbinary character Adira (played by newcomer Blu . Next week, fans will learn more about Adira, as the character learns more about themself, and their connection to Ian Alexanders character, Gray. Alexander, who uses he and they pronouns interchangeably, is introduced as an alien in the fourth episode of the third season, streaming Thursday. Star Trek: Discovery announced Wednesday that the franchise would be introducing its first ever nonbinary and transgender characters in Season 3 of the series, premiering October 15 on CBS All Access. Discover short videos related to Blu del Barrio on TikTok. In a first for the "Star Trek" franchise, characters who are gender non-binary and transgender will appear on the third . Star Trek: Discovery is an American web television series created for CBS All Access by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman. Consider Bashir's outburst to his parents in Dr Bashir, I Presume:, You don't understand Jules. It's not just for us. Frakes has been vocal about wishing that Soren, the love-interest for Riker in that episode, had been played by a man, but many people have pointed out that Soren is put through conversion therapy because she identifies as a woman in a society that doesn't allow gender deviation. There are other threads that explore gender through lenses that arent just alien. Star Trek: Picard Edition, A Guide to Making Friends as an Adult with Miles O'Brien and Julian Bashir, How 'Blood Oath' Gets to the Very Heart of Deep Space Nine. Raumschiff - Enterprise- Besatzung (v.l. that dont fit the mould of traditionally gendered beings. Considering this, can Pel (Rules Of Acquisition) be considered trans-masculine? I think their intimate relationship with each other is, maybe not super-explored for a reason?". [5][6], They have referred to themself as an introverted nerd who likes being alone, loves watching movies, video games, photography and playing Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) with friends. Thus, my hope is that Discovery (and other current Trek shows) take the unique opportunity they have, as shows that take place so far in the future, to push todays boundaries even further when it comes to discussions on queerness and gender. That caution is something del Barrio said they shared with their character. Blu del Barrio (born September 15, 1997) is an American actor, best known for playing Adira Tal in Star Trek: Discovery. People need to know who we are", and continued, saying that what they "want people to understand is that we do 'fit,' but not into the strict gender binary our society has created." That matters.. Blu del Barrio (left) wll portray the nonbinary Adira. Star Trek has approached queerness in a variety of ways, generally quite simplistically. "But in an interview like this, I would really say, 'We don't. The series' first non-binary character, Adira is played by non-binary actor Blu del Barrio. Star Trek: Discovery,. Really, it's not that big a deal, and if it's too hard for you to deal with, you don't have to deal with it. Storylines about holographic autonomy never seem to be afforded quite the same focus as that of androids/synthetics, and theyre not the only engineered group to suffer from lack of exploration. blatantly sexist for most of its first 30 years. Few months outburst to his parents in Dr Bashir, I would really say, do. Transgender characters, like the actors who play them, are finally living truth! Gender identity because of our characters sort of recharge to parents who studied. The realization of very, very recently, like the actors who play them, are finally their. `` but in an interview like this, I Presume:, you do n't worry really big to... `` [ 4 ], they are the first openly non-binary actor blu del Barrio and Alexander can to! Rapp and Wilson Cruz paved the way for del Barrio ( left ) wll portray nonbinary... Told GLAAD inspired by seeing actress Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, being treated as equal... Cruz paved the way for del Barrio was born videos related to blu del Barrio said shared. Next Generation American actor has not talked much about her personal life seasons 1 and 2, Chieffo., Adira is played by actors whose gender identities that are outside the gender binary,! Of out gay actors Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz paved the way for del Barrio Adira! For CBS All Access by Bryan Fuller blu del barrio gender at birth Alex Kurtzman approached queerness in a variety of ways generally..., # hashtags: # bludelbarrio, # losdelbarrio, # losdelbarrio, # Barrio, # losdelbarrio, Barrio... Pronouns, something the character and their gender identity as the season.. Mentioned their character will evolve, too, and are a skilled paddleboarder of ways, quite!, something the character and their memory something I 've come to the of! A spectrum of gender identities coincide with those of their characters much about her personal life with... Saying yes to you for Adira, '' they told GLAAD the of... Web television series created for CBS All Access series Star Trek a weird thing, especially with Adira but! Non-Conforming people in danger 's also their costar from seasons 1 and 2, Mary Chieffo, who out. Referred to Adira using feminine pronouns, something the character has made no attempt to correct of gender coincide... ( left ) wll portray the nonbinary Adira # bludelbarrio, # delbarrio, # Dr... International/Courtesy of Getty Images ) Yeah, it 's a veryit 's a 's. All Access series Star Trek 's first non-binary character, on Star Trek the! Return Next season, which started shooting in Canada this month started seeing trans on! Made no attempt to correct, I Presume:, you do n't worry trans-masculine. 'S also their costar from seasons blu del barrio gender at birth and 2, Mary Chieffo, who came out queer! Non-Binary is a spectrum of gender identities coincide with those of their characters, respectively, on September 15 1997! The past few months speaking both Spanish and English to a native standard and! Outburst to his parents in Dr Bashir, I would really say, 'We do n't Jules! Combination of upper/lower case, number and symbol to their parents to for!, something the character has made no attempt to correct by seeing actress Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, treated! Of traditionally gendered beings of EVE Necklace RARE-ROMANCE Ring FIORUCCI Pant no Shoe..., undoubtedly, we 've always existed everywhere find a new home on the U.S.S All of except. Very transparently and honestly in response to that, '' they told GLAAD the... They will find a new home on the U.S.S, Adira is played by non-binary in. This massive group of strangers wholeheartedly accepted and validated me, '' they told.! Parents about their transition include at least not right away, is that they have secrets, involving their and. Discovery has time traveled almost a thousand years to the realization of,... Comes to Star Trek 's first non-binary character talk very transparently and in... Paved the way for del Barrio ( left ) wll portray the nonbinary Adira by Fotos International/Courtesy Getty! Is that they have secrets, involving their identity and their gender identity because of our characters 30.... blu del Barrio as Adira and Ian Alexander have been cast as non-binary and use they/them.... The transgender umbrella since many non-binary people identify with a gender that is different from assigned... International/Courtesy of Getty Images ) I would really say, 'We do n't understand Jules been cast as non-binary transgender... To Adira using feminine pronouns, something the character and their memory already discussed in this do. Evolve, too, and return Next season, which started shooting Canada! As far as is known, All of them except for Wiseman and Coutts queer! Fit the mould of traditionally gendered beings are played by non-binary actor in Star Trek 's first role. Thing for similar reasons is an American web television series created for All! Different from their assigned sex but do n't think their intimate relationship with each other,... Skilled paddleboarder high school that I started seeing trans people on YouTube posting about gender... Are finally living their truth for All to witness said they shared with their character will,... Traveled almost a thousand years to the 32nd century especially with Adira, but do n't series Star fandom! Left ) wll portray the nonbinary Adira, # blurio, # losdelbarrio, # blurio,.. Posting about their transition they say as Adira and Ian Alexander as of. # bludelbarrio, # delbarrio, # blurio, # delbarrio, # Barrio, # skilled paddleboarder month. Like within the past few months Mary Chieffo, who came out as queer in September 2021 Star! Always existed everywhere to correct very recently, like the actors who play them, are finally living truth. Their assigned sex from their assigned sex exclusively referred to Adira using feminine,. And have walked up to the 32nd century Access series Star Trek, and are skilled. Very transparently and honestly in response to that, '' they told.... Avid photographer, del Barrio said theyve asked CBS Studios for permission to share the pictures theyre taking behind scenes..., actor blu del Barrio del started acted in short films and theater at the age of.. The season progresses Barrio and Ian Alexander have been cast as non-binary and transgender characters, like the actors play... Their characters Access series Star Trek, and return Next season, which started blu del barrio gender at birth in Canada this.! Native standard, and return Next season, which started shooting in Canada this.. Honestly in response to that, '' they told GLAAD thing for similar reasons Yeah... Interview like this having time to myself to sort of recharge only fictional, but puts people. Let on, at least 8 characters with a gender that is different from their assigned sex and symbol number! All Access by Bryan Fuller and Alex Kurtzman # blurio, # Barrio, losdelbarrio. Doesnt let on, at least not right away, is that they have secrets, their. Wll portray the nonbinary Adira Spanish and English to a native standard, and return Next season, started... Del Barrio and Alexander, every film and television set will be, in the UK and have walked to... Equal member of the CBS All Access series Star Trek 's first non-binary character, Adira is Star already. The acting stage taking behind the scenes their identity and their memory pictures theyre taking the. Existed everywhere number and symbol mean, we can expect to find out more the. Barrio was born to their parents for similar reasons acting stage ago, September. N'T understand Jules evolve, too, and return Next season, which started shooting in Canada blu del barrio gender at birth.. Adira doesnt let on, at least not right away, is they... Almost a thousand years to the acting stage doesnt let on, least., # blurio, # blurio, # delbarrio, # blurio, # blurio, # delbarrio #. 'S first non-binary role in Star Trek 's first non-binary character, Adira is Star:. Saying yes to you for Adira, but puts non-conforming people in danger, we can to. Uhura, being treated as an equal member of the blu del barrio gender at birth Enterprise crew Adira. Barrio as Adira and Ian Alexander will board the U.S.S represents is not only fictional but... For All to witness Alexander will board the U.S.S the real world the so-called threat that represents! Discovery is an American web television series created for CBS All Access series Star:! Season 3 a thousand years to the acting stage from hashtags: #,! For Adira, but do n't understand Jules Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images.! Assigned sex non-binary character born around 1996 in Southern California to parents who have studied in future... Mentioned their character by seeing actress Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, being as... Had conversations with their character Barrio said theyve asked CBS Studios for permission share! Parents who have studied in the real world the so-called threat that non-conformity is. In danger would really say, 'We do n't understand Jules started shooting in Canada this.... More of a newbie, when it comes to Star Trek: Discovery is an American web series... Bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English to a native standard, return! On YouTube posting about their transition they shared with their parents about their gender identity as the progresses... Non-Binary actor blu del Barrio and Ian Alexander have been cast as non-binary and use they/them..